How to switch my IP address to South Korea using a VPN

Popular sites and services are increasingly using geo-blocking to restrict access to their content. Usually, this takes the form of an IP address check, where you’re only allowed to use the service if your IP address comes from a specific country. So, if you want to access content and services in South Korea, you’re going to need a South Korean IP address. You can do this by connecting to a VPN.

Whenever you use a VPN, you’re given a new, region-specific IP address, based on your chosen server’s location. In this case, you would select a server in South Korea in order to gain a South Korean IP address, making it simple to bypass regional restrictions and use geo-blocked platforms from abroad. VPNs also encrypt your traffic, ensuring it can’t be read by any third-party observers and enhancing your online privacy.

In this article, we explain exactly how to use a VPN to gain a South Korean IP address, and we list the best providers for the job. We’ll cover each provider in detail later on, but if you only have time for a quick glance, here’s a quick summary.

What are the best VPNs for gaining a South Korean IP address?

1. NordVPN: Is the best VPN for getting an IP address for South Korea. Huge network of servers including 10+ in South Korea. Zero logs and impeccable security. Exceptional speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for South Korea.
2. Surfshark: Budget provider that offers an impressive array of security features, as well as decent speeds and strong unblocking ability. Connect as many devices as you like.
3. IPVanish: Fast and secure. Servers in Seoul. No connection limit. Preferred by Kodi users for its remote control-friendly dashboard. Offers the lowest month-by-month subscription.
4. ExpressVPN: A fast network of servers dotted around the globe, including locations in South Korea. Easy-to-use apps for all major platforms that are great for privacy and security.
5. CyberGhost: Top security, fast speeds, and no logs. Apps are easy to use and beginner-friendly. Extensive server network in 100+ countries, including 20+ in South Korea.
6. PrivateVPN: Smaller network but great for privacy and live streaming Korean content. Exceptional speeds and unblocking abilities.
7. Private Internet Access: A privacy-first provider with decent speeds, intuitive apps, and a true no-logs policy. Reliable servers for gaining an IP address in South Korea.
8. PureVPN: Servers in Seoul for a South Korean IP. Incredible speeds for streaming and downloading. Protect 10 devices simultaneously.
9. ProtonVPN: Packed with security features like 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy. Reliable unblocking of South Korean services.

How to get a South Korea IP address using a VPN in 2024

With the right VPN, getting an IP address from South Korea is very straightforward. Below, we’ll walk you through it.

Here’s how to get a South Korean IP address in 5 simple steps:

1. Begin by signing up for one of the VPNs listed below (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the app. There will be several different versions, so be sure to get the relevant one for your device.
3. Connect to any of your VPN’s South Korean servers. This will change your IP address to the desired location.
4. Try visiting a geo-blocked South Korean site. Content should load immediately.
5. If you experience problems, try clearing your cache and cookies and then refreshing the page.

If you’d like to watch a particular event live, we highly recommend running through the steps above before it actually begins. In doing so, you ensure that if anything goes wrong, you’ll have time to contact customer support and fix it without missing anything.

How we selected the top VPNs for a South Korean IP

With so many competing VPNs, deciding which is best for a particular task is often difficult. With this in mind, when finding the best VPNs for getting a South Korean IP address, we decided only to consider services with all of the characteristics below:

• Has at least one South Korean server, preferably more
• Provides high speeds and reliable connections
• Uses 256-bit encryption and offers various other security features
• Does not log any information that could identify you
• Offers apps for all of the most popular operating systems
• Has knowledgeable customer support available

This is just an overview, but you can find out more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend later in our methodology section.

The best VPN to get an IP address for South Korea: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for getting a South Korean IP in 2024.

The best VPN to get a South Korean IP address

At Comparitech, we never recommend a VPN that we haven’t used and rigorously tested ourselves. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences, so let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for a South Korean IP address:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our number one choice VPN. It has one of the largest networks of any major VPN provider, with more than 6,000 servers spread across 100+ countries, including around a dozen in South Korea. This service offers high speeds and the ability to stream Korean TV from abroad. It allows up to ten connections at once, so you can browse safely at home and on the go.

This service comes with a suite of advanced security features. There’s 256-bit encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and protection against port forwarding, IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. That’s not all: NordVPN includes ad-blocking, malware-scanning, dual VPN, and Tor over VPN functionality. It doesn’t log any information that could identify you, and you can pay with Bitcoin if you’d like an extra layer of anonymity. Live, chat-based support is available 24/7.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Android, Linux, MacOS, and iOS devices. It can be manually installed on supported wireless routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR SOUTH KOREA:NordVPN is our top choice. It’s a secure, speedy VPN that makes getting a South Korean IP address easy. Keeps no logs and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark has over 3,200 speedy servers spread across South Korea and 100+ other countries. This means that it’s a strong choice whether you’re looking to watch KBS, SBS, or BBC channels. Best of all, while many other providers limit the number of connections you can have, Surfshark is happy for its users to secure every device they own simultaneously.

This VPN uses an app-specific kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks to keep your activities hidden from snoopers. There’s also a toggleable NoBorders mode that lets you browse freely while traveling in countries like China. Surfshark accepts Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum and doesn’t log any personally identifiable info. Live chat-based support staff are on hand 24/7, just in case.

Surfshark provides iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. It can also be manually configured for use with select network routers.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost provider with reliable Korean servers, great unblocking ability, and no connection limit. Still not convinced? There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish has servers in South Korea and over 2,000 others across more than 60 countries. This service is fast enough to live stream HD video with no noticeable buffering, and best of all, it allows any number of simultaneous connections, so you’ll be able to protect all of your devices with a single account.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch (desktop apps only) to ensure you’re protected at all times. There’s also the option to block local connections and obfuscate OpenVPN traffic if you’d like a more advanced security setup. IPVanish keeps no logs whatsoever, meaning they can’t provide details of your activities under any circumstances. Live chat is available 24/7 should you need any assistance.

IPVanish has Windows, Android, Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV, MacOS, and iOS apps. Manual configuration is required for use with Linux systems and select network routers.

IPVanish speed test data

BROWSE SAFELY ANYWHERE:IPVanish is a fast, log-free, highly secure VPN with multiple servers in South Korea. Its lack of a connection limit makes it ideal for users looking to protect lots of devices at once. IPVanish plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN currently has more than 3,000 servers in over 100 different countries, including South Korea. This service is fast enough to stream live HD video without any noticeable buffering, and since it also boasts strong streaming ability, you can use it to watch Korean platforms like EBS TV and SBS from anywhere.

This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (in its desktop apps) to keep your activities private. Privacy-conscious users can sign up almost completely anonymously by paying with Bitcoin and using a disposable email address. ExpressVPN logs no personally identifiable information. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. There’s also custom router firmware, making it easy to protect all of your devices at once.

ExpressVPN speed test data

FAST KOREAN SERVERS:ExpressVPN is a quick and reliable option for getting a South Korea IP address. It’s fast and secure, with excellent unblocking potential and a major focus on your privacy. It even includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers the most South Korean servers of any VPN in this list (24+) and has more than 10,000 in 100+ countries globally. It’s a very fast service, and apps enable you to view the current load of each server, making it easy to gain a low-latency connection no matter where you are in the world. Additionally, CyberGhost permits up to seven simultaneous connections, while most of its rivals allow around five.

This service is extremely user-friendly, and all of its security features are enabled by default. These include 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and a kill switch (which is available in all versions). Perhaps most importantly, CyberGhost doesn’t log any information that could be traced back to you. If you run into any problems, you can reach customer support 24/7 via live chat.

CyberGhost offers apps for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android. Select internet routers are also supported but require manual configuration.

CyberGhost speed test data

POWERFUL VPN:CyberGhost is a fast, easy-to-use VPN offering reliable, affordable protection and access to several South Korean servers. It even comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our in-depth CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN might not have as many servers as some of its competitors (200 in total throughout 63 countries, including South Korea), but it does offer blazing-fast speeds. It’s also extremely effective at bypassing geo-restriction measures and would be a strong choice for anyone looking to use platforms like EBS TV or TV Chosun abroad. It can be used on up to 10 devices at once.

256-bit encryption is enabled by default, but PrivateVPN includes a kill switch (Windows only) and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. This service has a strict no-logs policy and allows users to pay with Bitcoin, so there’s no risk of your activities being traced back to you. PrivateVPN’s live chat support service is available 22 hours per day (excluding 1-3 PM PST), and with your permission, the staff can remotely install or configure the software for you.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It works on Linux and select wireless routers with manual installation.

PrivateVPN speed test data

RELIABLE HIGH-SPEED BROWSING:PrivateVPN provides fast, consistent connections to its South Korean server and doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose by trying it.

Here’s our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a powerhouse in the VPN world, and it’s easy to see why. One of its major perks is the unlimited device limit, making it a fantastic option for families or anyone juggling multiple gadgets. For the streamers out there, PIA has you covered; it can access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, KBS, and more, so you won’t miss out on your favorite content no matter where you are.

Security-wise, PIA doesn’t skimp. It employs top-of-the-line 256-bit encryption and even throws in an ad blocker for good measure. With servers in 91 countries, including South Korea, it offers a robust network for bypassing geo-restrictions. The multi-hop servers add an extra layer of security, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize privacy.

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, so help is always just a click away. The setup is straightforward, and PIA offers apps for all major platforms, ensuring a seamless user experience. Plus, with a pricing model with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can give it a thorough test run without any financial risk.

Private Internet Access speed test data

ZERO-LOGS VPN:Private Internet Access offers steady speeds a wealth of security tools, and a no-logs policy. In other words, it’s perfect for streaming Korean TV without compromising on privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included too.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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8. PureVPN

Nov 2024

PureVPN is a highly practical and affordable option for anybody needing an IP address in South Korea. Its cost-effectiveness makes it accessible to a wide range of users, and the VPN is surprisingly feature-packed considering its relatively low cost.

PureVPN has more than 6000 servers spread across more than 65 countries, including servers in Korea. This gets you a local IP address to access popular streaming servers, internet banking, shopping, and Google search results in Korean. The VPN can be used to unblock services like Wavve and TVing on vacation – or any restricted network within Korea, such as at work or on campus.

PureVPN is fast making it especially useful for activities such as streaming, gaming, torrenting, and video conferencing. Tests using the WireGuard protocol showed impressive download speeds reaching up to 400 Mbps, which is remarkable considering the service’s affordability.

Besides working to get a Korean IP address, you can use PureVPN to watch Japanese platforms and services in 65 different countries. It works to stream Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Japanese services like TVer, U-NEXT, AbemaTV, and dTV.

In terms of security, PureVPN provides robust protection with AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and a strict policy against logging user data. These features prevent local networks, public wifi hotspots, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking your activities online. They also protect you against hackers when using public wifi.

While customer support may have slower response times, the overall reliability of PureVPN means this shouldn’t be a deal breaker. You can test the VPN to make sure you’re happy by making the most of its 31-day money-back guarantee.

PureVPN speed test data

LOW COST:PureVPN is a low-cost VPN that allows access to Korean services on vacation. It has servers in over 65 countries, including Korea to watch Kokowa, Wavve, Oksusu, TVer, and many others.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a highly advanced VPN that is perfect for techy users in need of a Korean IP address. The VPN is based in Switzerland and was developed by the creators of ProtonMail. This gives the VPN an impeccable reputation. As you would expect, it has a solid no-logging policy that has been independently audited.

ProtonVPN is compatible with all major devices and comes with AES encryption, various protocols, obfuscation technology, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, self-owned Secure Core servers, and the option of using Tor over VPN. This makes the VPN reliable for preventing ISP and government snooping, it also makes it a strong option if you must travel to countries with high levels of surveillance and censorship.

ProtonVPN’s longer plans are a bit expensive, but if you only need a VPN for vacation, it is cheaper than most of our other recommendations, which is worth remembering. Our tests revealed that ProtonVPN works with numerous Korean streaming services, providing smooth access to platforms like TVer, Seezn, Kocowa, and Wavve. It also works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and many other international services.

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and you can compare the VPN to any other one of our recommendations using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, this VPN is perfect for torrenting thanks to its split tunneling and port forwarding features.

ProtonVPN speed test data

HIGHLY SECURE:ProtonVPN is a reliable and trusted VPN with servers in 85+ countries, including Korea. It works to access Korean streaming services abroad or while at work within Korea. Strong AES encryption and a kill switch.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for a South Korean IP address: Our methodology

Every VPN is different, and while this means that there’s a service for every situation, it also makes it tricky for newcomers to decide which one to use. That’s where we come in. We’ve considered the most important things a VPN should offer for users wanting a South Korean IP address and used this criteria to filter out unsuitable services. Below are some of the main factors we took into consideration:

1. Servers in South Korea: If your VPN provider doesn’t have servers located within South Korea, you will not be able to gain an IP address from the country. The more servers there are, the more chances you have of finding a fast and stable connection.
2. Broad Device Compatibility: The VPN should offer comprehensive support across various platforms, including but not limited to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This ensures seamless integration with your diverse technological ecosystem.
3. High-Speed Connections: VPNs need to offer rapid connection speeds. This is essential for ensuring an optimal experience in streaming, online gaming, and large-scale downloading activities. We regularly speed-test the VPNs we recommend to ensure they’re up to the job. 
4. Advanced Security Protocols: We prioritize VPN services equipped with robust security measures. Key features should include strong encryption standards, a reliable kill switch, and safeguards against DNS leaks, thereby securing your online presence.
5. Strict Privacy Policy: VPNs should adhere to a stringent no-logs policy. This ensures that your online activities are not monitored, recorded, or stored, thus maintaining confidentiality.
6. Effective Geo-restriction Bypassing: When people are searching for how to change their IP address, it’s usually because they wish to access geo-restricted content. The VPNs on our list have a proven track record of bypassing restrictions on both South Korean content and international streaming platforms.
7. Reliable Customer Support: The availability of efficient, 24/7 customer support via various channels such as live chat, email, or phone is a vital aspect to consider.
8. Value for Money: We assess the cost-effectiveness of the VPN services, comparing the price against the suite of features offered. We look to see if longer subscription plans provide more economical options and prefer providers that offer free trials and money-back guarantees. We also include discount links to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. 
9. Additional Functionalities: In addition to all the above, we look for VPNs that offer extra features, such as split tunneling, the option for dedicated IP addresses, or integrated ad-blocking capabilities.

What to know more? Check out our article detailing our complete VPN testing methodology.

Gaining an IP address from South Korea with a free VPN

It’s tempting to try and use a free VPN to gain an IP address for South Korea, and you’ll easily find plenty of providers promising you a quality service for free. Unfortunately, most of them are not worth your time; many of them won’t work, and those that do can be less secure than not using a VPN at all.

First, free VPNs are unlikely to have South Korean servers and are often the first to be blacklisted by popular services like Netflix, which makes free VPNs a poor choice for streaming South Korean content abroad. Also, they’ll usually have fewer servers than paid services but more users, meaning you can expect pages to load extremely slowly and video to buffer for long periods of time if they load at all.

More concerningly, many free VPNs don’t offer any level of encryption, and they leak personal information over DNS. Some include malware, while others store tracking cookies on your device that allow them to keep track of which websites you visit and how often. This data is recorded over long periods of time, and once enough has been collected, it’s sold to advertisers, most commonly without your knowledge.

To be as safe as possible, we recommend using a reputable VPN that puts user privacy first, but in case you’re set on getting a South Korean IP address for free, here are a few tips on doing so safely.

How to get a South Korean IP address with a free VPN:

• Opt for a VPN that offers a free trial. These range from 1 – 7 days, which could be enough if you just want to be protected for a short time.
• Make the most of the money-back guarantees of the providers we’ve listed here. They range from 30 to 45 days, so they should be enough to cover you for a vacation or short work trip. Unlike free trials, you do have to pay upfront but can at least rest assured that if you’re not 100% happy with the service, you can claim a full refund. Check out our step-by-step guide to claiming a full refund from NordVPN to see how simple it is.
• Another option is to choose a reputable VPN with a free basic level, such as Windscribe, or ProtonVPN. These VPNs have limited server locations on their free tiers, so you probably won’t be able to use them to gain a South Korean IP. However, they are reputable, secure providers, so if you just want to stay secure online for free, they are worth considering.

Gaining a South Korean IP address with a VPN: FAQs

See also: Best VPNs for South Korea